Next Step Therapy Inc.

06/03/2026

💜Our weekly NST Employee Spotlight!! Installment Five💜

Meet Katherine Foster, CCC-SLP! Katherine is kind, helpful, and loves working with kids! Next Step is so grateful to have someone like Katherine on the team -- Her big heart shows in all she does! Take a moment to leave a kind message or story about Miss Katherine!

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Q:What is your name and title(s)?
A: Katherine Foster MS, CCC - SLP Speech Language Pathologist

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Q: How did you get your start in your field? Where did you go to school? Where did you do your clinicals/fellowship? When and how did you start working for Next Step Therapy?
A: I always wanted to work with kids! Growing up school didn’t come easily to me. Having ADHD and Dyslexia came with a set of gifts and challenges. Going into collage, I didn’t think I had what it takes to go to grad school so I started in a different program, but I always had speech therapy on my mind. I knew I could use my struggles as a strength for others! I commuted to Penn West Clarion completing my externships at Oil City School District and Meadville Medical Center! I started at Next Step Therapy right after I graduated from Grad School.

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Q: What is your favorite part about your job? What do you love most about Next Step Therapy? What is one thing you wish people knew about NST?
A: Seeing a family find success in communication is so rewarding! There is so much power in communication. I love to see that understanding “click” when they realize they can use communication to really let their little personalities shine!

Working at Next Step has allowed me to work with such a wide variety of kiddos and environments. I work in clients homes, the community and the clinic. I have had the opportunity to see kiddos and families lives change and grow!

I would love for more people to know that there is a therapist out there who is ready to help guide you along your journey! Making the decision to seek support can be the hardest part. We are here to not only help families but empower them!

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Q: Who are you outside of work?! What are your hobbies, interests, passions? If you would like to share about your family, too, that would be great!!
A: Outside of work I’m a mom to two crazy adventures boys! We never know what kind of silly things we’ll be getting into! My passion is growing my faith and sharing it with my boys and others!!

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Katherine's favorite quote:
"I’ve started to build a reputation for being pretty silly and having fun! Life is too short to not have fun and be silly."

06/03/2026

I am a sensory seeker!
Are your children sensory seekers? Avoiders or both?
I struggle to sit still
I love movement
I crave crunchy foods
I enjoy running and jumping
I like to touch everything
I climb on everything
I chew non-food items
I am often fidgeting
I enjoy flavorful foods
I enjoy loud music
--->> https://amzn.to/42rDcP6 (affiliate)

06/03/2026

Summer often brings new routines, new environments, and new social expectations, which can feel especially overwhelming for children with selective mutism. 💛

As school lets out and summer activities begin, remember that progress may look different outside of familiar settings. A child may need more time to warm up, more predictability, and less pressure to speak on demand.

Small steps still matter.
Nonverbal communication still counts.
Confidence grows when kids feel safe, supported, and understood.

Let summer be a season of patience, connection, and gentle progress. ☀️

06/03/2026

06/01/2026

For parents of children and adults with special needs, get in touch with the Autism Tough Foundation and join them THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2026 at the Cornerstone Church of Clarion in Shippenville for an evening of "encouragement, connection, and support" with fellow families who are in your same shoes.

06/01/2026

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23 Heavy work activities for proprioception --->> https://ilslearningcorner.com/product/23-heavy-work-activities-for-proprioception/?ref=10 (affiliate)

Learn more about heavy work --->> https://www.thesensoryspectrum.com/heavy-work-activities/

05/29/2026

8 things your child with dyslexia needs to hear from you! Thanks to Mama Psychologists for this graphic.

Learn more about Dyslexia --->> https://mommyevolution.com/dyslexia/

05/28/2026

📖Our next installment of the NST Employee Spotlight is none other than Jen DeWoody, M.S. CCC-SLP!📖

Jen has been with Next Step Therapy since 2016 and is quite an asset to the team. She has an interesting story and the biggest heart for her clients! Take a minute to read a little more about Jen and leave some encouragement or kind words for her. We are grateful for you, Jen!!

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Q: What is your name and title(s)?
A: Jen DeWoody, MS, CCC-SLP

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Q: How did you get your start in your field? Where did you go to school? Where did you do your clinicals/fellowship? When and how did you start working for Next Step Therapy?
A: I decided to be a speech therapist because I was born with a cleft palate, and went to speech therapy myself. I got my Bachelor of Science in Education at IUP, and my Master of Science Degree at Clarion Univerity. I did one clinical at a skilled nursing facility in Mercer county, and my other at Hasson Heights Elementary in Oil City. I started working for Next Step in 2016 after working in skilled nursing facilities for almost 15 years.

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Q: What is your favorite part about your job? What do you love most about Next Step Therapy? What is one thing you wish people knew about NST?
A: My favorite part of my job is getting to join in with a family in their excitement at seeing their child develop a new skill. I love working with babies and toddlers! Also, my co workers are great! What people should know about Next Step is that we have a very knowledgeable and caring staff.

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Q: Who are you outside of work?! What are your hobbies, interests, passions?
A: I have two daughters. My oldest is 20, and my youngest is 16. I enjoy spending time with them and my husband. I also like to read, knit, and take care of my animals. I have a dog, 2 cats, and chickens.

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Jen's Favorite Quote:
"Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind, always." ❣
~Anonymous

05/28/2026

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The Clarion County Su***de Prevention and Family Support Task Force has unveiled three core initiatives, including a specialized postvention coordinator to guide grieving families and an aggressive outreach campaign to embed the 988 lifeline into…

05/28/2026

Getting help and talking through your concerns really *does* make a big difference! Don't ever be afraid to ask for help. We can help point you in the right direction.